PUPILS put on a colourful show of support for their Dalton school by releasing hundreds of balloons into the sky.

Parents from Chapel Street Infants and Nursery School, Dalton organised the morale-boosting ceremony for staff, after they had been subjected to negative comments on social media.

The event took place on Thursday, and 35 excited Year Two pupils attached their fondest memories of school to balloons and watched them float away.

Becka Kitchin, 28, one of the organisers, said: “We wanted to show our appreciation to every single member of staff.

“We want to spread the message that the school is a happy and fun place to learn.

“The teachers are lovely and we want them to know we appreciate everything they have done They go above and beyond for our kids.”

Each member of staff was also given a red rose as a thank you present from the Year Two pupils in their leavers’ assembly.

Acting headteacher Angela Walton, who will take on the role permanently from September, said she was “blown away” by the gesture.

She said: “We knew the children had done something with the parents but it was a total surprise. They had written messages for staff and presented them all with a little bouquet of flowers.

“They all looked lovely.”

Staff and pupils will continue their celebrations with an end of term disco next week.